Pope County has the second-highest number of reported rabies cases in the state, according to information from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

As of Sept. 23, the most recent date for which data is available, Pope County had reports of 16 rabid skunks and one rabid bat, second only in number of reported cases to Garland County, which had 11 reported rabid skunks and 10 bats.

Johnson County has seen eight reports of rabid skunks so far this year and Yell County has seen seven rabid skunks.

The total number of rabid animals reported so far in 2013 across the state is 132, already ahead of 2012, which saw 131 reported cases during the entire year. Pope County saw only five reported cases of rabies in 2012 — one dog, one horse, two skunks and a bat.

While some of the increased numbers may be due to better education, and thus a higher instance of reported cases, Arkansas public health veterinarian Dr. Sue Weinstein said numbers do appear to be on the rise.

“We really don’t know why we are seeing so much more, but we really are seeing a lot more,” she said.

To protect humans and pets alike, Weinstein said to be on alert for odd behavior by skunks and bats, especially, which are the most common carriers of rabies in the state.

“Either one of those being active in the day time should be a red flag,” she said.

In addition, Weinstein said it is important for pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies.

Statewide, she said the ADH has identified 192 dogs that have been exposed to rabies this year. Of those, only 19 percent had current vaccinations against the disease and 49 percent had never received a rabies vaccination.

“I think the general public doesn’t take it very seriously, doesn’t think it means them,” Weinstein said.